Politico uses Apple's Wallet to distribute breaking 'Brexit' news

Political publication Politico is testing out a highly unorthodox news delivery method that leverages Wallet passes to keep readers up to date on the latest poll results and news from Britain's vote to leave the European Union. And it seems to be working.

As noted by Nieman Lab, using Wallet as a notification platform allows Politico to deliver news without the overhead of developing and maintaining a standalone app. The publication also has an iOS app in the App Store with full support for push notifications, but Wallet comes with unique advantages.

For example, instead of unlocking their iPhone and opening Politico's dedicated app, readers have direct access to Brexit polls and breaking news directly from the lock screen. A double-press of the home button brings up a Wallet's card interface, where the EU Referendum Tracker pass shows a Brexit poll graph and statistics.

Tapping on the small "i" icon in the lower right flips the pass over to reveal an informational section populated by breaking news and an option to turn off automatic updates. Hyperlinks included in breaking coverage are not accessible via Wallet's lock screen view.

"We thought Wallet was simple enough that we could effectively do this without much effort," said Kate Day, Politico editorial director for growth. "In some ways, the limitations help us focus on what we really want to say."

Politico is not the first to use the Wallet platform for something other than its intended purpose. Ad agency Digitas LBI, which collaborated on the EU Referendum Tracker, tested out a similar system for the UK general election last year.

To access the EU Referendum Tracker, simply visit the sign-up website on an iOS device, fill out the required information and click the Wallet link to generate a pass. Users can delete the pass by accessing it from the Wallet app.

Hmmm. I wonder how Apple feels about this. Can't imagine they are happy. That's not what Wallet was developed to do.

I agree, not at all what Apple intended as a use case for Wallet. I think it is a creative idea though and interesting to see what they have been able to do with it. I can't see myself wanting several cards in my Wallet all dedicated to specific news stories though.

Sorry, but it's inaccurate and politically biased to describe the poll itself as a "Brexit Poll". The poll is an EU Referendum to decide whether Britain should remain in or leave the EU. To describe it as a "Brexit Poll" is like describing the 2016 American Presidential election as a Trump Election or a Clinton Election.

'Brexit' is merely used to describe supporters of Britain's exit from the EU.

Sorry, but it's inaccurate and politically biased to describe the poll itself as a "Brexit Poll". The poll is an EU Referendum to decide whether Britain should remain in or leave the EU. To describe it as a "Brexit Poll" is like describing the 2016 American Presidential election as a Trump Election or a Clinton Election.

'Brexit' is merely used to describe supporters of Britain's exit from the EU.

I partially agree. Why partially - how else weald you call it in only a couple of words?

Sorry, but it's inaccurate and politically biased to describe the poll itself as a "Brexit Poll". The poll is an EU Referendum to decide whether Britain should remain in or leave the EU. To describe it as a "Brexit Poll" is like describing the 2016 American Presidential election as a Trump Election or a Clinton Election.

'Brexit' is merely used to describe supporters of Britain's exit from the EU.

I appreciate the point, but since it's a vote to change or retain the status quo, I don't think it's unreasonable to refer to the vote by what the change is proposing. A vote for clean air legislation would be referred to as such, not as a vote for clean air or not clean air legislation, even if it's just for aesthetic and convenience reasons.

Tbh I'm more bothered by the normalization of the hideous portmanteau culture in a serious national debate. "Brexit"? Bruck off.